an ambitious request

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an ambitious request" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a request that is challenging or requires significant effort or resources to fulfill. Example: "The proposal included an ambitious request for funding that would support multiple community projects over the next five years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

As for Bowie, the 65-year-old has not toured since 2006, and it was always an ambitious request to try to persuade him to participate, even if Heroes was used as an unofficial anthem for Team GB during the Games.

The Guardian - Music

While the ESA doesn't have its own artist residency program like the one NASA attempted, or the program program CERN continues to support, it was an ambitious request, for which Martins' work was handsomely rewarded the ESA granted him unprecedented access to over a dozen robotics departments, jet propulsion laboratories, space simulators, and launch platforms from the UK to Kazakhstan.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Five more steps were outlined, and an ambitious final request was made: that Khashoggi and Zuhair arrange a meeting with Prince Nawaf Abdul Aziz, the Saudi intelligence chief, "so that we can assist in Washington".

The New Yorker

Whether or not this (damned ambitious) request goes anywhere is still unclear, but the trial is set to resume tomorrow so it shouldn't be long at all before we find out if this whole thing ends before it really gets started.

TechCrunch

Chief Brian Cummings told the city Fire Commission that he is pulling back an ambitious plan requested by the City Council that would boost the department's ranks and speed up lagging 911 response times.

Los Angeles Times

Bo Bergman, 73, who lives a technology-free life in the tiny village of Simlångsdalen, sent his ambitious requests to the newspaper Hallands-Posten last week.

Independent

When an ambitious local "social worker" requests help with a rival, Singh takes his money and beats up the target as requested.

The Guardian - Books

The White House has dropped an ambitious 10-year, $1.6 billion education and training initiative at the Department of Energy, dubbed "Regaining our Energy Science and Engineering Edge," from DOE's 2012 budget request.

Science Magazine

It's an ambitious programme.

Independent

Hers is an ambitious undertaking.

The Economist

It's an ambitious project.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an ambitious request", ensure the context clearly indicates why the request is considered ambitious. Providing specific details about the scope, resources required, or potential challenges can enhance clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid labeling a request as "an ambitious request" if it merely requires standard effort or resources. Overusing the term can dilute its impact and create unrealistic expectations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an ambitious request" functions as a noun phrase, where "ambitious" modifies the noun "request". According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct. It usually presents a demand or proposal that requires considerable effort or resources to fulfill.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an ambitious request" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that describes a demand or proposal requiring significant effort or resources. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, with examples primarily found in news and media contexts. While not extremely common, its usage is consistent with standard English. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly justifies the label of "ambitious" to avoid overstating its significance. Consider alternatives like "a challenging proposition" or "a bold ask" depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a demanding plea

Replaces "request" with "plea", emphasizing the urgent or emotional nature of the request, and "ambitious" with "demanding", which highlights the effort required.

a challenging proposition

Substitutes "request" with "proposition", framing it as something to be considered or debated, while "challenging" suggests difficulty.

a significant demand

Replaces "request" with "demand", implying a stronger sense of entitlement or necessity, and "ambitious" with "significant", highlighting the importance or impact.

a bold ask

Replaces "request" with "ask", making it more informal and direct, while "bold" emphasizes the audacity or confidence in making the request.

a far-reaching appeal

Replaces "request" with "appeal", suggesting a broader audience or purpose, while "far-reaching" highlights the scope of the request.

an extensive requisition

Substitutes "request" with "requisition", formalizing the language, while "extensive" suggests a large quantity or scope.

an audacious solicitation

Substitutes "request" with "solicitation", making it more formal, while "audacious" emphasizes the boldness or risk involved.

a substantial entreaty

Replaces "request" with "entreaty", suggesting a sincere or earnest plea, while "substantial" highlights the importance or weight of the request.

a grandiose scheme

Replaces "request" with "scheme", often implying a plan or project, and "ambitious" with "grandiose", emphasizing the scale and ambition, sometimes with a negative connotation.

a towering expectation

Replaces "request" with "expectation", highlighting the anticipation or hope associated with the request, and "ambitious" with "towering", suggesting great height or magnitude.

FAQs

How can I use "an ambitious request" in a sentence?

You can use "an ambitious request" to describe a proposal or demand that requires significant effort or resources. For example, "The company presented "an ambitious request" for funding to expand its research and development department".

What can I say instead of "an ambitious request"?

You can use alternatives like "a demanding plea", "a challenging proposition", or "a bold ask" depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey. These options are all suitable to replace "an ambitious request".

Is it appropriate to use "an ambitious request" in formal writing?

Yes, "an ambitious request" is suitable for formal writing. However, consider the specific context. More formal alternatives might include "a significant demand" or "an extensive requisition".

What makes a request "ambitious"?

A request is considered "ambitious" when it aims to achieve something significant, challenging, or groundbreaking. It often involves overcoming obstacles, utilizing substantial resources, or pushing the boundaries of what is currently possible.